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Monday, March 19, 2012

NZ Freestyle Champs

Over the weekend the NZFKC ran the NZ Freestyle Champs at Full James Wave on the Waikato River. I was supposed to be out all weekend on a filming job but that got canceled on the Friday so I spent Saturday working on my film and then whipped down to Taupo for the night and a few beers before the competition on Sunday.

Image - Rob Sperling

Sunday morning was a little slow and things were looking a little grim due to Mighty river power forgetting to send us water. An hour late everyone was fired up to get into the day! The sun made its way through the clouds every so often and the water was warm so things were off to a good start!

Image - Rob Sperling

After the first round the numbers were cut to 10 for the semi finals and then down to 5 for the final. I qualified 2nd for both with Tyler Fox ahead of me going into the finals. My first ride in the finals was no good and I knew I needed just 1 good ride to win but that one wasn't it!

Image - Rob Sperling

As Tyler and I sat ready for our second ride the music stopped and we put up a little protest till the sounds cranked again. With a sweet song dropping just as I pulled on to the wave it was all good. We had our 2nd and 3rd ride and then it was all over. The Stand Up Paddle boards came out and the topo duos and we clowned about for a while before it got too cold and we were too tired to paddle up the eddy any more.

Image Rob Sperling

We all gathered up the top for prize giving and one by one made our way to our homes. I have wanted to win this event since I started going to watch at FJ in 1999 and have missed out on many occasions. Stoked to finally win one! Looking forward to next year already!

Image - Rob Sperling

Cheers to Brendan Bayly, Tyler Fox and Lou Urwin for all their organisation for the event and all the people who came along to support! Also cheers to Canoe and Kayak Taupo for supporting the event! Without these people events like this are not possible! Cheers to Rob for taking all the photos! There are heaps more on Facebook
Awesome to be back on the river and having a blast! Bring on summer number 9!